66-70

Chapter 66: The Second Hokage's Return

"Familiar!"

"Such familiar words!"

Even the office workers in the Hokage Building felt these words were exceptionally familiar.

They stiffly turned their heads to look at Danzo.

Had these two switched places?

Body Transformation Technique?

What, it wasn't?

Then, Lord Danzo, can you endure this?

He stole your line!

Hit him!

Hit him!

The office workers were excited. If the Uchiha and Danzo fought, how thrilling would that be?

It would be best if both of them died!

The only pity was probably Uchiha Itsuki's handsome face.

This was the women's thought.

Danzo glared fiercely at Itsuki, then left with his crutch.

He didn't even bother with harsh words anymore.

He would die of anger if he said anything more.

He had originally planned to wait for Itsuki here, to let him see that even if he, Danzo, assassinated him, he couldn't do anything about it.

House arrest?

What was that?

He could come and go as he pleased.

Angry?

Feel free to be angry!

It would be best if he became so angry that he lost his rationality, only then could he find an opportunity to defeat Uchiha Itsuki.

Who would have thought!

Itsuki wasn't angry, but he was almost angered to the point of fainting.

Sunbathing eggs?

You really came up with that.

Danzo stormed into the Hokage's office.

Itsuki leisurely followed behind him.

Opening the door, they entered.

"Whoa!"

Itsuki was surprised.

All four of Konoha's Guardian Shinobi were present!

* Hiruzen Sarutobi!

* Danzo Shimura!

* Koharu Utatane!

* Homura Mitokado!

The four of them sat on four sides, their expressions solemn.

Besides them, there was also a giant creature.

Just by sitting there, he took up more space than three people combined.

His whole being emphasized a single word: fat.

With that physique, he was an attack in himself.

"And this is..."

"I am Akimichi Torifu!"

The fat man's lips moved slightly, and a deep voice sounded.

Ordinary words, yet they seemed to carry immense power.

"Oh, my grandfather's classmate! Weren't you in seclusion? You came too!"

Itsuki suddenly understood why he was so fat.

He didn't need the Multi-Size Technique; he was in a constant state of Multi-Size Technique.

He turned to look at the people present and asked in surprise, "So neat? All of the Second Hokage's disciples are gathered. What's the matter?"

"Something about the Second Hokage?"

"He's returning home? Are you preparing to welcome him?"

Returning home?

Everyone present was first stunned, then their faces all turned red.

With anger!

Especially Hiruzen Sarutobi, who almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

The villagers of Konoha naturally didn't understand what "returning home" meant.

But someone explained it.

Uchiha Itsuki had mentioned the custom of "returning home" when a junior of Koharu Utatane got married.

At that time, many people listened with great interest.

They didn't know where else had such a custom, it was quite interesting.

Later, some ninja clans adopted the practice of "returning home."

As a dangerous Uchiha, his every move would be documented and presented to the Hokage's office, so Hiruzen Sarutobi also learned what "returning home" meant.

Now... damn it!

The Second Hokage had been dead for so many years, how could he possibly return home?

If he returned home, wouldn't you be scared to death?

Bah!

The Second Hokage was a man, what the hell was he returning home for!

Several cold gazes fell upon Itsuki, and some who couldn't hold back their anger even breathed heavily.

Death to those who insult my teacher!

Itsuki shrugged, not intimidated at all, "Otherwise, why did you call me here? All of the Second's disciples are gathered. Unless the Second has risen from the dead and you need me, the funeral parlor owner, what else would I be here for?"

Where's the body?

Let me take care of him!

"We called you here as an Uchiha, as a Konoha ninja."

Hiruzen Sarutobi practically squeezed the words out through gritted teeth.

"Fugaku is dead?" Itsuki was astonished, "I haven't received any news. Where's the body? Why wasn't it sent to my place? I'll have to ask Mikoto-nee about this later, hehe!"

"He's not dead!"

"Not dead?"

Itsuki showed obvious disappointment and muttered, "How come he's not dead?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."

"If he's not dead, why are you calling me, an ordinary Uchiha, here?" Itsuki asked in confusion, "At the top of our Uchiha clan, there's the clan leader, then the two advisory elders. Oh, and there's also that little chick Itachi in between. After that, it's my turn, a mere Uchiha Jonin, right?"

"We called you here specifically, naturally, there's something."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was low, his face unsightly.

Originally, they had been waiting for Itsuki for hours, damn it, they were even hungry from waiting.

Itsuki arrived and dropped a bombshell on them, it was no wonder his face looked unpleasant.

"Alright, then tell me!"

Itsuki found a place to sit down on his own.

This scene made several people frown again.

No manners!

Did they tell you to sit?

They were the pinnacle of power in Konoha, a junior Uchiha, who gave you the right to sit down so presumptuously in front of them?

Koharu Utatane was about to reprimand him.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped her with a look.

"Itsuki, a few days ago, the Konoha outpost in the eastern region was attacked, you know about this, right?"

"I don't know!"

Itsuki shrugged, "I never deliberately inquire about such matters. But, I'm not criticizing you, but if you were attacked, there must have been casualties, right? You should have brought the bodies to my place!"

"My funeral parlor hasn't even opened for business yet."

The group fell silent again.

Although they were quite satisfied with Itsuki's lack of involvement, bringing the bodies to him was out of the question!

They had always suspected that Uchiha Itsuki opening that damn funeral parlor had ulterior motives.

Perhaps he was after the bodies of ninja.

After all, everyone knew that the bodies of ninja held countless secrets.

"After the eastern outpost was attacked, the attackers left this behind!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi handed a scroll to Itsuki.

Itsuki looked at it and said in surprise, "Is it appropriate for me to see this?"

It was a military deployment map.

The contents were very detailed.

It marked the ninja levels and numbers at the front lines.

However, the signature...

Unknown Suna Shinobi.

At the end was... To the Mizukage!

Itsuki stroked his chin and muttered, "Written by Suna, sent to the Mizukage, why did it appear in Konoha? And they specifically attacked Konoha's outpost?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi had been observing Itsuki's expression.

He suspected that this military deployment map was Itsuki's doing.

There was something strange between the lines.

But he had no evidence!

Moreover, Itsuki's expression was too normal.

He was shocked when he should be, surprised when he should be...

It really seemed like he was seeing this deployment map for the first time.

"Obviously, this is a conspiracy!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were cold, his teeth gritted, his expression ferocious, "We have confirmed that the content of the deployment map is from Iwagakure, but the signature is from Sunagakure, and it was sent to Kirigakure!"

"Holy cow!"

Itsuki was amused, "This guy is quite talented, we should learn from him!"

"Hmph!"

Itsuki's attitude made the people present couldn't help but snort coldly.

"Alright!" Itsuki put away his smile and said in confusion, "Then why did you call me here? Does this matter have anything to do with Konoha? Even with the deployment map, we can just avoid fighting them."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said coldly, "That should be the case, but!"

"Anbu reported that the outposts of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure, all four ninja villages, were attacked."

"What the hell does this damn thing want to do?"

"Provoke a new ninja world war?"

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 67: I Want to Rebel, and You Want to Suppress It?*

Itsuki blinked and tentatively asked, "Lord Hokage, do you mean...?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was so furious he almost breathed fire out of his nostrils.

"The sentries of the other four ninja villages were attacked almost simultaneously as Konoha's."

"At Konoha's sentry post, they left this thing behind. What about the other villages?"

"Who's to say one of those villages didn't get Konoha's entire defense plan?"

Sarutobi kept pointing at the military defense map.

"If we don't attack the other villages, does that mean they won't attack us? Damn it."

"The ninja world might be on the brink of a full-scale war!"

"Who did this? And how did they get such a detailed defense map?"

If the enemy followed the map's markings and launched precise strikes, one side of Konoha would be practically wide open, welcoming the enemy with no defenses.

Just imagining the enemy marching right in made the Third Hokage's scalp tingle.

Itsuki smacked his lips.

He really wanted to say:

You can be more confident! It's not just one village!

All four of the other ninja villages got Konoha's defense plans!

From every possible angle!

The only difference is the signature and notes.

Oh, and to make sure those villages wouldn't be left untempted and not attack each other, I even gave a little encouragement to their leaders.

For instance, to the Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village, I wrote on the map: "Ōnoki, here's the map. Remember to give me the corpse of the Fourth Raikage's dad. Such a strong body, especially that part—I could use it."

As for how the Raikage would react after reading that…

Itsuki thought, what's it got to do with me?

As long as they start moving, that's all that matters.

If Konoha doesn't fall into chaos, what will the Uchiha do?

And if people die because of this…

Heh!

Deep in Itsuki's eyes was nothing but cold indifference.

The Uchiha clan has sacrificed so much for Konoha. During the Great Ninja War, they were always on the front lines and suffered the most casualties. Did anyone show any gratitude?

The extremists thought about how to wipe out the Uchiha.

Even the more moderate people were full of prejudice and indifference.

Since everyone treats the Uchiha as enemies, isn't it natural for the Uchiha to treat them the same?

Yes, the Uchiha can be ruthless when enforcing the law.

But why would you make mistakes in the first place?

If you didn’t mess up, would the Uchiha still come after you?

Itsuki knew there was a shadow of the Third Hokage and Danzo behind this, but the villagers of Konoha aren't children. Can't they see for themselves?

Don't they have brains to think with?

Just because someone says it's windy, does that mean you go running in the rain?

All those fools can just die!

In the original story, after the Uchiha were wiped out, how many ninjas clapped their hands in joy!

As if the Uchiha had committed some unforgivable crime.

Itsuki sneered.

Yes, I'm extreme!

Because I'm an Uchiha now too!

I'm the strongest Uchiha!

Remember, you all struck first!

Itsuki smiled and asked, "So why did you call me here? What's up?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression was serious as he said in a deep voice, "Uchiha Itsuki, there's a mission I need you to take on."

Itsuki kept smiling and said, "Let's hear it."

Whether he'd agree to it was another matter.

It's not like you'd give me a suicide mission, and I'd cheerfully shout, "For Konoha!"

Screw you.

You better watch out, or I'll take you down!

Danzo clearly picked up on the meaning in Itsuki's words and angrily shouted, "How dare you! The Hokage gives you a mission, and you dare refuse?"

"Get lost!" Itsuki said impatiently. "Why don't you go play somewhere else? What’s it got to do with you?"

"You..."

*Danzo was so furious his whole body started trembling.*

"Why is it always about eggs with you?!"

"What do you mean, 'what'?!" Itsuki snapped back impatiently. "When it comes to disobeying the Hokage's orders, who in all of Konoha dares to compare with you? How about a little self-awareness, huh?"

The big guy grinned.

That was a solid point. To be honest, he'd been annoyed by Danzo for a long time.

His decision to retire had a lot to do with both the Third Hokage and Danzo.

"I..."

"What do you mean, 'I'?! So you have balls, huh? What's there to be proud of? You think you're special? Maybe if someone else showed theirs, you'd be scared to death!"

This comment made Koharu Utatane's face stiffen.

"Alright, alright, enough arguing!"

The Third Hokage scolded them, then looked at Itsuki with a headache, saying, "Itsuki, the Five Great Ninja Villages have finally found some peace, and I don't want to see that peace shattered. What do you think?"

"I don't want that either!" Itsuki replied casually. "Of course, I'm all for peace. Everyone in Konoha knows that Uchiha Itsuki is the most kind-hearted person around."

You shameless liar!

The Third Hokage forced a stiff smile and said, "Since that's the case, let's talk about the mission."

"Even though we have the defense maps, Konoha does not wish to start a war, nor will we initiate an attack on the other villages. However, we can't be sure what the other villages and their leaders might be thinking."

"Therefore!"

"We want to keep an eye on them, and until our new military deployments are complete, we can't let them act rashly."

"Alright!" Itsuki nodded, taking it all in stride. "I'll go keep an eye on the Hidden Mist Village and make sure they don't stir up any trouble."

At this point, how could he not understand what was going on?

The Third Hokage: "..."

You're really something! That village is already isolated. What are you going there for?

To look at the mist? Go fishing?

"I've already sent Kakashi to the Hidden Mist Village," the Third Hokage said in a serious tone. "I want you to go to the Hidden Cloud Village."

Well, damn! The most battle-hungry of the Five Great Ninja Villages! Not to mention, the Hidden Cloud Village is the second most powerful village, only behind Konoha.

It's full of elite ninjas!

The Hidden Stone Village is weaker than them.

And on top of that!

The Hidden Cloud Village is united. Aside from the crazy brothers Kinkaku and Ginkaku, they have almost no rogue ninjas.

Unlike Konoha...

Giving the toughest job to me, huh? Not even trying to hide it anymore.

Itsuki was sure that if he accepted this mission, he'd definitely end up fighting with the Hidden Cloud Village.

His information was probably already on its way to the Hidden Cloud Village.

"No way!"

Itsuki flat-out refused.

The Third Hokage didn't say a word.

But the pressure in the air began to build.

He stared at Itsuki, his eyes filled with authority and coldness.

In the Hokage's office, there was a faint sense of killing intent gathering.

"Itsuki, I am the Hokage!"

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, said only that one sentence.

His position as Hokage, his orders—no ninja in Konoha could refuse them.

He could smile at you, but he could also make you cry.

Itsuki sighed softly and said, "Since Lord Hokage is being so serious, let me share a big secret with you in return!"

The Third Hokage smiled faintly and asked, "What secret?"

Itsuki responded seriously, "I'm just a shadow clone!"

The entire Hokage's office fell silent in an instant.

Danzo couldn't hold back any longer. He jumped up and roared, "How dare you, Uchiha Itsuki! You're too insolent! You sent a shadow clone to meet with the Hokage? What is the Uchiha clan planning?!"

Itsuki squinted at him, grinning as he said, "I want to rebel. Do you want to suppress it?"

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 68: No Need to Be Pessimistic*

"You..."

"Enough, stop with the nonsense!"

The Third Hokage shouted, putting an end to their argument.

He turned to Itsuki, speaking in a serious tone, "I won’t hold it against you for sending a shadow clone, but..."

"I'm still not going to the Hidden Cloud Village!" Itsuki shook his head, smiling. "However, as a member of Konoha, I do want to contribute. How about this—I'll go to the Hidden Sand Village instead."

"The Hidden Sand Village..."

The Third Hokage's expression remained grim.

It wasn't just because the Hidden Sand was the weakest among the Five Great Ninja Villages, but also because Itsuki was openly defying his orders.

He was the Hokage!

Even though Danzo frequently disobeyed his orders and engaged in secretive activities, he would never outright defy him publicly.

But!

Given the current situation...

"Uchiha Itsuki!"

Koharu Utatane scolded him in disapproval, "Are you even a Konoha ninja? How dare you defy the Hokage's orders? Has the Uchiha clan fallen so low? Hmph, just as I thought..."

Her words were filled with dissatisfaction.

When she spoke about the Uchiha, her tone carried clear disdain.

Itsuki's eyes flickered, and then he suddenly smiled, saying, "The Advisor’s words make sense. How can we disobey the Hokage's orders? Fine, I'll go to the Hidden Cloud Village. But since there’s a possibility of using force to intercept them, Hokage-sama, you'll need to send a few more people with me."

"That won't be a problem!"

The Third Hokage immediately responded, "I'll assign an entire ANBU squad to assist you in completing this mission."

"Understood!"

Itsuki agreed with a smile. He clasped his hands together, released the jutsu, and the shadow clone dispersed.

The Hokage's office fell into silence.

Homura Mitokado spoke slowly, "He didn't want to go at first; why did he agree in the end?"

"Indeed!"

Choza Akimichi sneered, "Even a fool could see your ill intentions. Why would he agree? Interesting."

"Choza!"

The Third Hokage’s expression was displeased as he said, "What nonsense are you spouting? What do you mean by 'ill intentions'?"

Choza wasn’t backing down.

He was there as a representative of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

This time.

The leak of the military defense map wasn’t suitable for a full Jonin council meeting, but it still required the mobilization of many personnel.

So.

The ninjas assigned to these tasks were summoned to the Hokage's office one by one.

Uchiha Itsuki wasn't the first.

As the Third Hokage mentioned, the Hidden Mist Village had already been assigned to Kakashi, who had already set out with his team.

"Am I spouting nonsense?"

Choza sneered, "So that's why you suddenly called me here, worried that Uchiha Itsuki might cause trouble and you wouldn’t be able to handle it quickly?"

"Too bad, he only sent a shadow clone. Must have disappointed you."

Choza Akimichi was a student of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

He was a peer of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo, though two years younger.

But his strength was not lacking. His battle against the Hidden Cloud Village in the past had earned him fame throughout the ninja world.

The Akimichi clan specialized in taijutsu and secret techniques, so despite being in his sixties, his strength had not significantly declined.

Danzo coldly remarked, "Do you think we care that much about Uchiha Itsuki?"

Choza glanced at him and sneered, "Why don’t you go show off your balls somewhere else?"

"You..."

Danzo was nearly spitting blood in anger.

Again with the eggs!

Can we please stop talking about eggs?!

Now, whenever someone mentions eggs, everyone thinks of me.

It's like I've become "Eggzo"!

Ugh!

"Choza Akimichi!!!"

Danzo's eyes were bloodshot.

"Hmph!" The old fat man snorted, slowly getting up, "Don’t provoke me. Just because I’ve retired doesn’t mean I’m dead."

"If anyone wants to test my strength, they’re welcome to try!"

With that, Choza Akimichi strode out of the office, casting a threatening glance at everyone present as he left.

"Hmph!"

Thud!

Danzo angrily stomped his cane, "That Choza Akimichi..."

"Enough, he's always had this temper. It's been years; you all should know that by now!"

The Third Hokage looked a bit weary and said, "Koharu, intensify the investigation on the leaked defense map."

"Understood!"

"Homura, about the troop adjustments on the frontlines..."

"I understand! We’ll be done with the adjustments in two days at most!"

Finally, the Third Hokage just glanced at Danzo.

Danzo didn’t say anything.

A single look was all it took for them to understand each other.

Everything was understood without words!

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, remaining silent.

They knew they couldn't compete...

Choza Akimichi strode back home.

The current heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were already waiting for him.

"You're back."

Shikaku Nara stepped forward, his expression respectful.---

The person standing in front of us is the top expert among the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, and the pillar of their three clans.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio holds a significant status in Konoha, but without strength to back it up, they’re nothing.

“Hmph!”

Choza Akimichi snorted heavily and sat down with a thud, saying coldly, “Damn that Danzo!”

... Those words sound so familiar.

Is it just my imagination? Recently, I keep hearing people say this.

Shikaku Nara cautiously asked, “Did Danzo provoke you?”

“It’s not just Danzo, it's also the Third Hokage. Hypocrite. Tell me, how could someone as great as Lady Biwako end up with someone like that? If it had been me back then…”

“Huh?”

“Huh!!!”

The three of them were a bit dumbfounded.

It seemed like they had just discovered something incredible.

“Ahem!”

Choza Akimichi cleared his throat twice and said angrily, “What are you all thinking? I was just feeling a bit emotional…”

“Oh, right!”

The three quickly straightened up.

Shikaku Nara said seriously, “It seems like the Hokage is preparing to move against the Uchiha clan.”

Choza Akimichi sneered and said, “The only clans strong enough to threaten them are the Uchiha and the Hyuga. The Hyuga have already had their backbone broken, and the Uchiha are known for being unstable. Is it really that strange for them to be targeted?”

Choji Akimichi hesitated and said, “The Hyuga aren’t that weak, right?”

Choza Akimichi gave him a sideways glance and said, “Do you really think Hizashi Hyuga’s death was that simple? Hah, the Will of Fire!”

His words were filled with heavy sarcasm.

The Will of Fire of Hiruzen Sarutobi was, to put it bluntly, directed against all the ninja within Konoha except for the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mitokado clans.

If necessary, even Utatane, Mitokado, and possibly even Shimura could be sacrificed, but never the Sarutobi.

“Give the Uchiha a heads-up.”

“What?” Shikaku Nara looked at Choza Akimichi in shock.

Warn the Uchiha?

Does Choza Akimichi mean to ally with the Uchiha?

Choza Akimichi sighed and said calmly, “You guys don’t understand Hiruzen Sarutobi. I know him. I’ve known him for many years. I can tell you very clearly that after the Uchiha, he will likely turn his attention to the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.”

“He wouldn’t go as far as to harm us, but he might take action to split us up!”

“This…”

“We need the Uchiha to be the shield in front of us!”

Choza Akimichi said coldly, “Go, tell the Uchiha that the military deployment plans will be a point the Third Hokage and the others will use to strike at them.”

Shikaku Nara was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “Actually, there’s no need to be pessimistic.”

“Oh?”

“Uchiha Itsuki!” Shikaku Nara said with a strange expression, “I believe that this person, who never takes a loss, will definitely give us a surprise.”

(End of chapter)

Chapter 69: Itsuki's Disdain**

Itsuki opened his eyes, a cold smile on his lips, but a hint of violence in his gaze. He slammed his fist down beside him.

“Damn that Danzo!”

As for Hiruzen Sarutobi… screw you.

You want to play games with me? Planning against me in the open, huh?

Fine, let's go big!

His arm struck something, producing a dull thud.

“Thud!”

“Yikes!”

In the midst of the sound, a strange cry echoed.

“Huh?”

Itsuki was startled and instinctively opened the coffin lid, climbing out.

Shisui, with his stiff body, was sitting nearby. He sensed Itsuki's chakra but hesitated to speak.

Itsuki had a feeling Shisui wanted to curse.

“Itsuki, why… why are you here?”

Shisui couldn’t hold back any longer and asked in a deep voice.

“I’ve been here the whole time. I never left the crematorium!”

“Then… what about the Hokage?”

“A shadow clone.”

“Damn!”

Shisui couldn’t contain his anger and snapped, “You… you actually sent a shadow clone to meet with the Hokage! That’s disrespectful to him!”

Itsuki, surprised, said, “What are you talking about… When did I ever respect him?”

“You…” Shisui was fuming, “He’s the Hokage!”

“Did someone say he was the Mizukage?”

Shisui grumbled, “Itsuki, remember, you’re a ninja of Konoha. The Third Hokage is Konoha’s leader.”

“I know, a Hokage who’s never been on a battlefield!”

Itsuki casually remarked.

He never missed an opportunity to belittle the Hokage in front of Shisui.

But!

You have to do it step by step.

Overdoing it would backfire!

Slowly, he would drag the image of the Hokage in Shisui's mind down into the dust.

So, Itsuki didn't say, "The Hokage who's best at internal strife."

He wasn't in a hurry! He'd take his time.

“Nonsense…”

Shisui thought for a moment and reluctantly said, “The Hokage needs to oversee the bigger picture. Konoha doesn’t need the Hokage to fight on the front lines.”

Itsuki gave Shisui a sideways glance and said, “Yeah, yeah, you’re absolutely right. That’s why the other villages’ Kages don’t need to oversee the big picture. Their villages are so bad that their Kages have to fight on the front lines.”

“By the way, let me ask you another question. Among all the heroic figures who have died in battle, have there ever been any from the Sarutobi clan?”

Shisui fell silent.

What could he say?

Itsuki remembered that in the original story, only one Sarutobi had ever died.

Sarutobi Asuma!

This guy died after the Third Hokage, during Tsunade's reign.

Just like Senju Nawaki, he died so righteously, with no flaws!

Perfect!

Especially since this guy was with Kurenai… Even though this isn't the original story, he had to find a way to kill him!

“By the way…”

Itsuki asked curiously, “Did I scare you just now? Did you pee yourself?”

He looked down, “It doesn’t seem wet…”

“Get lost!”

Shisui was so mad he was grinding his teeth. “This crematorium is already creepy, and besides me, there was no other presence. Then you suddenly made a noise… damn it, you’re definitely up to something in this place.”

“Pfft!”

Itsuki couldn’t help but laugh.

He had indeed set up a special barrier.

This was a world of silence. Spending too much time here really tested one’s courage.

Especially since Shisui couldn’t see right now.

Fear +1!

---

"Hmph!"

Shisui snorted coldly and curiously asked, "What did the Hokage want with you?"

"Sigh!"

Itsuki sighed and said, "It's a long story."

"Then don't bother telling it!"

Shisui interrupted Itsuki and quickly moved aside.

Itsuki: "..."

You've changed, Shisui!

After thinking for a moment, Shisui couldn't help but say, "If you're in trouble, you can talk to me. I'm your brother!"

Itsuki gave him a sideways glance.

If you weren't my brother, that would be even better! I'd come up with all kinds of ways to outsmart you.

...

Pakura, who was returning with Kurenai, suddenly stiffened.

"What's wrong?" Kurenai turned to look.

"Itsuki is calling me!"

"Hmm?"

Pakura looked at Kurenai and said, "I have a special connection with him."

"Then let's go!" Kurenai didn't mind. That little man treated her well, and she wasn't going to throw a fit just because another woman had something she didn’t.

Besides, the Uchiha clan is quite sensitive right now, and Pakura situation is even more delicate.

If her identity were to be discovered, the whole of Konoha would be shaken.

Better safe than sorry.

What she didn't realize was that if Pakura identity were exposed, Itsuki would launch an all-out assault on Konoha.

The two quickly returned to the crematorium.

Itsuki was already waiting for them.

As for Shisui, Itsuki had sent him away. He was needed more by Itachi.

After all, they were the real partners! Sitting together, sharing snacks...

"Sigh!"

Itsuki looked at the two of them as they entered and sighed helplessly. "Why don't I get any business here? Look at the place across the street, people are coming and going—I'm so envious!"

Pakura was speechless.

Kurenai let out a cold laugh. "You actually want a crowd here? Dream on!"

"Is it because I'm not famous enough?"

Itsuki pondered and said, "How about I bring Sarutobi Hiruzen here and burn him alive? That would definitely make this place famous—'Uchiha's Crematorium' would be known throughout the entire ninja world."

"And then the Uchiha would become the most notorious clan in ninja history."

Kurenai rolled her eyes. "Cut the nonsense. Why did you call us back?"

She continued, "Pakura needed some weaponry, so I took her to stock up. Don’t worry, we went to the Uchiha weapon shop."

"It doesn't matter, but remember, don’t buy any explosive tags; we’ve got plenty here."

Itsuki waved it off casually. "I called you back because something big has happened."

Kurenai looked at him skeptically. "Be serious for once. Stop making things up."

Itsuki, feeling wronged, said, "Do I seem like that kind of person?"

Kurenai stared at Itsuki and slowly said, "What was that you always say… 'Be more confident'?"

Itsuki: "..."

"Alright, let's get serious. The Fourth Great Ninja War might break out."

"See!" Kurenai spread her hands towards Pakura. "He's spouting nonsense again."

Pakura also looked troubled.

Itsuki ignored them and continued, "I received a mission to go to the Hidden Cloud Village. Originally, I wanted to go to the Hidden Sand, but the Third Hokage didn’t want that. So, Pakura, I have a mission for you. It’s related to the Hidden Sand."

Kurenai and Pakura both became serious. "Are you being serious?"

"What do you think?"

Itsuki explained the situation with the military deployment plans.

After hearing it, Kurenai confidently said, "You did it."

Her tone was absolutely certain.

"So what?" Itsuki spread his hands. "Are you going to report me?"

Kurenai sighed and fell silent.

She had some attachment to Konoha.

But after her father's death, she had seen the coldness of people.

Then, Itsuki appeared and became her new refuge.

Kurenai’s gaze gradually grew determined.

"I'm just an ordinary woman. I don't need to overthink things."

Itsuki smiled faintly and looked at Pakura. "From what I’ve heard, the Hidden Sand situation is being handled jointly by the Hyuga and Uchiha clans."

"The Hidden Sand…"

Pakura sighed, then suddenly paused.

"The Hyuga and Uchiha?"

"Yes!"

Itsuki grinned mischievously. "The Third Hokage specifically arranged for the Hyuga and Uchiha to work together. Tsk tsk, that's all he’s got? What a disappointment."

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 70: Leaf Warehouse: Listen to Me, Thank You!*

The Uchiha and the Hyuga clans have always been in a competitive relationship.

These two families don't get along.

However!

Unlike the retreating Hyuga, the Uchiha are aggressive and have been given special attention by the Hokage.

Moreover!

There’s one undeniable fact: The Uchiha clan is filled with talented individuals.

In contrast, the Hyuga clan, if you trace their lineage, can only really boast of one standout—Hyuga Tennin.

But!

The Hokage needs the Hyuga clan to face off against the Uchiha!

So, the Hyuga clan became quite prestigious.

This belief, with the Hokage's guidance, slowly gained acceptance—especially by the Hyuga main family, who completely bought into it!

Itsuki found this family ridiculous.

The main family was corrupt.

The branch family were slaves!

Does this mean that no one in the Hyuga clan wants to change things?

Of course not!

Unfortunately, either they lacked ability, or their strength wasn't enough, or they were too indecisive and lacked the courage to act.

Occasionally, a few competent individuals tried to bring about change, but the main family didn’t approve, and neither did the Hokage.

They believed the current state of the Hyuga clan was perfect.

What if, through reform, they became another Uchiha?

The current head of the family, Hiashi Hyuga, wasn’t bad overall.

But!

The Hyuga clan's prison not only bound the branch family but also shackled him and the main family.

It was a pitiful family!

Now!

The Third Hokage and others have assigned a mission, placing the Uchiha and Hyuga together. Even with just a bit of thought, it’s clear they’re setting up for more games, chaos, and conflict!

Itsuki was speechless.

As the Hokage, can't you act with a bit more dignity?

Like me, I enjoy playing around, but when it’s time to act, I don’t hesitate.

In one go, I eliminated more than ten Jonin from the Root, causing their Jonin team to lose a third of its strength.

Danzo was also publicly humiliated by me.

Since that day, who dared to underestimate me?

“What do you need me to do?”

Yakura looked at Itsuki.

“You don’t need to do anything.”

Itsuki said with a smile: “For this mission, just ignore the Hyuga and Uchiha. I’ve already made arrangements. You just need to hit the Sand Village hard, make sure they don’t cause any trouble, and the harsher, the better. I’ll provide the necessary support.”

“That’s it?”

Yakura was stunned.

“That’s it!”

Itsuki shrugged.

Yakura stared at Itsuki quietly, and suddenly said, “Itsuki, thank you!”

She understood.

Itsuki was giving her a way to vent.

She had been plotted against by the Sand Village, and it must have left her feeling wronged and full of anger.

Itsuki was giving her a channel to release it.

She was touched!

Compared to the coldness of the Sand Village, Itsuki’s gesture made her feel genuine warmth.

Kotoamatsukami effect +1!

Itsuki blinked.

This woman... Is she adding drama to the situation?

From her expression, she was clearly overthinking things.

He just wanted Yakura to use her strength and knowledge of the Sand Village to severely punish them so they wouldn’t interfere with his plans.

Why did this feel off?

Forget it!

Don’t disturb a woman lost in her emotions.

Itsuki turned to Kurenai, about to speak, and suddenly realized she was also looking at him with gentle eyes.

Itsuki: "..."

Oh man!

Are all women this emotional?

Should I write a couple of novels about all your colorful thoughts?

...

The mission was quickly issued.

The Konoha ninja were sent to various villages to keep an eye on their movements, ensuring they didn’t deploy troops, buying time for Konoha’s defense.

Kakashi led a team to the Mist Village.

Uchiha Itsuki took an entire ANBU squad to the Cloud Village.

The Uchiha and Hyuga teamed up to go to the Sand Village, with Uchiha Yashiro as captain and Hyuga Yamahiko as vice-captain.

The last village, the Rock Village, surprised Itsuki.

The Aburame clan and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were responsible.

Among them, Aburame Shibi was the captain, and Nara Shikaku was the vice-captain.

This was interesting.

Kakashi, part of the Hokage faction, was dispatched, but the rest were all clan ninjas?

And!

Aburame Shibi was a quiet ninja, yet he was known as a well-rounded one, even earning the title of "Perfect Ninja" for a time.

He was proficient in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu, and had impressive leadership and strategic abilities.

But!

Making him lead the Ino-Shika-Cho trio...

"Sigh, the Third Hokage really loves to play games," Itsuki murmured. "Despite being so weak."

Whoosh!

A ninja appeared in front of Itsuki, kneeling on one knee, and asked, "Captain, when are we departing?"

"Tonight!"

Itsuki glanced at the ANBU kneeling before him, showing a gentle smile.

Deep within that smile, however, there was a hint of regret.

"Yes!"

The ANBU responded swiftly and left.

Itsuki kept staring at his back until he disappeared, reluctantly pulling back his gaze.

Such a fine body… too bad it can't be cremated at the funeral parlor.

He returned to the Uchiha compound.

Some arrangements still needed to be made.

Since the Third Hokage likes playing games, fine, let's all play together—until you cry.

At Naka Shrine!

As soon as Itsuki walked in, an angry gaze shot toward him.

Itsuki turned his head.

It was Uchiha Fugaku!

"Yo, Clan Leader, what's with that look?" Itsuki asked in a curious tone. "Do you have some kind of misunderstanding with me? You look like I’ve stolen your wife or something."

Fugaku: "..."

Don't people usually talk about vengeance for killing one's father?

You bastard, what are you implying?

Fugaku's eyes were bloodshot.

Are you after my wife? This is too much!

"Ahem!"

Uchiha Setsuna coughed twice and said, "Itsuki, thank you for your contributions to the Uchiha clan."

"Oh, are you talking about those 2.5 million explosive tags?"

Itsuki waved his hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. Share them with the clan members. Konoha is unstable right now; they need something to defend themselves."

He didn’t care how they handled it.

"I will," Setsuna nodded with a smile.

"Brother Itsuki, can you get a few more?"

Sitting beside Fugaku, Itachi suddenly spoke up.

Itsuki rolled his eyes. "Do you think they're cabbages?"

"Heh, in my mind, Brother Itsuki is capable of almost anything."

Itsuki froze for a moment, then gave Itachi a playful look.

Now that Itachi was the deputy clan leader, he really had changed. That flattery came out of nowhere.

"Alright, I've requested a meeting with the clan's top members because I have something to say."

Itsuki casually sat down, looking at the group. "Elder Zongyi, don't look so grim. We're not planning a rebellion."

"Elder Setsuna, don't be too happy about those 2.5 million tags either."

"As for you, Clan Leader Fugaku, don’t worry too much about me and Mikoto for now!"

For now?

Are you serious?

Fugaku nearly jumped up, gritting his teeth. "Uchiha Itsuki, that's enough! Stop provoking me! I haven’t even dealt with you for throwing out those explosive tags!"

He glared at Itsuki. "Releasing 2.5 million explosive tags at once—aren’t you worried something might go wrong? It's not just me in my house; there's Sasuke too! What if there had been an explosion..."

Everyone else smiled bitterly.

Hearing about it had given them all cold sweats.

2.5 million explosive tags—what kind of destruction would that cause if they went off?

Itsuki immediately looked concerned. "Oh no, is Mikoto okay?"

Everyone fell silent.

Even Itachi.

I thought of you as a big brother, but are you really after my mom? That last comment didn't sound right at all.

(End of the chapter)